| We cannot understand a thing if we approach it verbally; merely looking at words does not give understanding. Nor is understanding agreement or denial. If I want to understand you, I have to consider what you are saying without prejudice, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, neither doubting nor accepting, but listening. In listening – which is quite an art – there must be a sense of quietness of the brain. But most of our brains are incessantly active: responding to a challenge, a challenge of words or an idea. This constant response to challenges does not bring about understanding. From Public Talk 1, Paris, 5 September 1961 Read more | 